While earwax may not be an exciting subject, it serves a critical function in maintaining the health of your ears. In contrast to other bodily areas, such as your teeth, feet, or skin, which require routine maintenance to remain clean, earwax is typically self-sufficient and doesn’t demand frequent attention. In fact, trying to remove it too often can do more harm than good. So, is earwax bad? The short answer is no, but it can occasionally become troublesome. These are the key things to be aware of.

What Exactly Is Cerumen?

Earwax, scientifically known as cerumen, is a natural compound made by glands inside your ear canal.
Earwax, a mixture of secretions and dead skin cells, is often misunderstood, yet it serves a useful purpose. Its main job? Safeguarding your ears.

Earwax acts like a barrier, capturing dust, dirt, and bacteria before they can get to your eardrum. It also helps keep your ear canal hydrated and healthy, reducing dryness and inflammation. If it weren’t for this protective mechanism, your ears would be more vulnerable to harm and illness.

Do You Need to Clean Your Ears?

Typically, normal maintenance is adequate and no additional cleaning is required. Your ears have a BUILT IN ability to get rid of dirt on their own. Daily activities– like chewing, talking, showering, and moving about– help drive old wax to the surface, where it naturally flakes or washes away.

For the majority of people, earwax removal is not a problem that typically calls for attention. But for saome people, it can accumulate and become a problem.

The Hidden Dangers of Excessive Earwax Buildup

Even though earwax typically helps our bodies, it can occasionally result in issues, especially when it becomes impacted by being blocked or pushed too deeply into the ear canal.

Here’s when earwax may become a problem:

• Cotton swabs are often used by people to clean their ears; however, this action may inadvertently push earwax further into the ear canal, leading to blockages. It’s okay to use these carefully around the outer ear, but steer clear of inserting them into the ear canal.
• Using earbuds, hearing aids, or earplugs can hinder the ear’s natural process of clearing out earwax, causing it to collect and potentially result in blockages.
• Excessive earwax creation: A prevalent problem for some people, resulting in a higher likelihood of earwax buildup and potential impaction.

Indications of Impacted Earwax

Excessive Earwax: Potential symptoms and repercussions to be aware of:

• Hearing loss or muted hearing
• Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear)
• Pain or pressure in the ear
• Issues with balance or feeling lightheaded
• Odor or discharge from the ear

Impacted earwax might cause an infection in certain circumstances. When you experience these signs, it’s important to seek assistance.

Leave Earwax Elimination to a Professional

It’s recommended to see a professional if you’re coping with earwax buildup. Your regular doctor, an audiologist, or an otolaryngologist can easily and painlessly take it out at their office. Some individuals try home remedies like over-the-counter ear drops or ear irrigation kits. These can sometimes be useful, but it’s smart to check with your provider first– especially if you’ve had ear surgery, you have a history of ear infections, or you use hearing aids.

When in Doubt, Ask

Earwax is usually a good thing, but if it’s bothering you, don’t ignore it. Our team is here to help you keep your ears healthy and your hearing clear.

If you’re experiencing abnormal hearing changes or suspect an earwax blockage, reach out to us to arrange a consultation with one of our specialists.

Sources:
How To Remove Ear Wax: A Step-By-Step Guide– Audien Hearing
Impacted Earwax|Cedars-Sinai